How to Fix Word Tracked Changes Combining into Revision Balloons
Question details
The user needs to stop Word from grouping multiple revisions into a single balloon so they can view individual tracked changes.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Reviewing heavily edited documents where crowded margins cause tracked changes to collapse into grouped balloons.
- Observed behavior
- Word groups multiple tracked changes into a single balloon displaying a message like '5 changes' instead of showing each revision separately in the margin.
Ensure your Microsoft Office application is updated to the latest version, as older versions may contain display bugs regarding markup areas.
Increase Balloon Width in Advanced Track Changes Options
Expanding the preferred balloon width provides more margin space, preventing Word from running out of room and grouping multiple revisions together.
By default, Word allocates a specific amount of space for the markup area. When changes exceed this space, it consolidates them. Increasing the width forces Word to display more individual balloons.
Open your document in Microsoft Word and click on the 'Review' tab located on the top ribbon.
In the 'Tracking' group, click the small dialog box launcher arrow in the bottom right corner. In the Track Changes Options dialog, click on 'Advanced Options'.
Locate the 'Balloons' section at the bottom of the Advanced Options window. Increase the 'Preferred width' value (for example, change it to 3 or 3.5 inches).
Click 'OK' twice to apply the settings. Check your document margins to see if the grouped balloons have separated into individual revisions.
Change Balloon Display Mode to Show Revisions Inline
Displaying all revisions inline moves the tracked changes out of the margins and directly into the text, avoiding balloon grouping entirely.
Manage Tracked Changes Easily with WPS Writer
WPS Writer offers a clean, intuitive interface for tracking changes, ensuring that all revisions, comments, and formatting edits are displayed clearly without confusing groupings. Reviewing complex documents has never been easier.
- 1. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Writer and open your heavily edited document.
- 2. Enable Track Changes: Go to the 'Review' tab on the top ribbon and click the 'Track Changes' button to toggle it on.
- 3. Customize Balloon Views: Click the 'Track Changes Options' drop-down to customize exactly how you want insertions, deletions, and comments to appear in the margins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Word group my tracked changes together?
Word groups tracked changes into a single balloon to save space when the document margins become too crowded with edits, comments, and formatting revisions.
Will changing the balloon width affect how others see the document?
No, adjusting the preferred balloon width is a local display setting in your specific Word application. Other users will view the document based on their own margin and tracking settings.
Can I print the document with all balloons fully expanded?
Yes, but you must first increase the preferred balloon width or change the paper size to accommodate the wider markup area, otherwise Word may truncate the balloons or group them during printing.
How do I accept all changes to remove the balloons?
To finalize the document, go to the 'Review' tab, click the drop-down arrow under the 'Accept' button in the Changes group, and select 'Accept All Changes and Stop Tracking'.
